Dan,
Sorry so slow to respond.
Wow, that would be truly a wonder to see a tank that big.
Anyways, ill try to also answer your questions from the PM aswell.
On the tank, i used both types of resins...for several reasons.
All the initial layups were done with polyester type resins (unwaxed), this was becuase i wanted time....with polyester there is no need to layup the next coats before or at the "gel" stage as is required of epoxy type resins.
I also did this during late fall, it also allowed me the most play in drying times with the use of different amounts of catalyst....also not allowed with epoxy.
This allowed me to get a very thick overall moisture barrier that is very strong...totally uncalled for it seems compared to what others are doing with their plywood tanks, but i wanted to sleep at night.
With polyester, the actuall moisture barrier comes with the use of a product called gelcoat, this is another polyester resin that is tinted for the final stages of your product....boat builders use this to finish the final stages.
It is also required becuase it is waxed, all layers of polyester never truly "set" without the waxed portion....this is why polyester is more flexible than epoxy here.
After the final waxed gelcoats, i sanded, and applied tinted epoxies (a few additional topcoats....also tinted incase i sanded through gelcoats)
This was done because epoxy is superior in moisture resistance to polyester.
Keep in mind, the two only work together if epoxy is the top coats, therefore polyesters cannot be laid over epoxy.
Any additional work i do to the tank, will always be epoxy now as i cannot go back.
I couldnt recomend urchins, but your guess is as good as mine here regarding the acryic protective layer. i think my concern is water getting trapped underneath and becoming anoxic....doubtful, as a lot were using the same type application with the starboard.
"Long term durabilty" Hmm, to be honest i am unsure, i would expect to match any glass tank of today...i would guess 10 yrs before a drain and an inspection...shorter on a thinner moisture barrier.
Its been just shy of 2 yrs on this one and im sure its as good as the day i finished it, with the exeption of fading on the euro brace due to the lighting.
Hope that got most of your questions answered, And WELCOME to Canreef !
Marc.
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Confucious say : Things that come to those who wait, will be things left over by those who didnt.
Last edited by SuperFudge; 04-23-2007 at 04:09 PM.
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